Even though so many people were left un-wowed by Vista, Microsoft's latest announcement is sure to elicit some excitement.

Five years in the (very secretive) making, the Surface Computer is a tabletop system that allows users to interact with digital media in some truly remarkable ways.

CNET News.com's Ina Fried has video of the system in action, viewable below.

Surface Computer users can fingerpaint digitally, resize and interact with photos and videos, and even "digitize" some real-life events, such as splitting up a restaurant bill and researching wines. The Surface Computer can recognize some real-world objects and creates onscreen versions to interact with.

The innovative system looks a lot like the interface demonstrated in the now-famous YouTube video of New York University researcher Jeff Han.

Alas, the Surface Computer isn't intended for home use--at least not yet. Instead, the tabletop system is expected to be used as an interactive kiosk for businesses, restaurants, and for entertainment in public spaces.